Water UK

Biosolids and agriculture

06/07/06

Biosolids provides a sustainable source of nutrients to soils and numerous benefits to agricultural land. These include improving soil structure and drainage capacity, the addition of much needed organic matter and an improvement in soil workability.

Indeed use of biosolids in this way is judged the Best Practicable Environmental Option for managing sewage sludge and is supported and controlled by European and UK regulations. The UK wastewater industry has adopted practices that go beyond current regulatory requirement as part of further assurance to its stakeholders.

There is no known evidence of risk to health from use of biosolids in agriculture. Research on environmental and health impacts costing millions of pounds underpins all the standards set for recycling.

The briefing pack covers regulatory and statutory requirements, treatment of sewage sludge, scientific research and the benefits of using biosolids in agriculture.

Key points

 •  Biosolids have been used safely in agriculture in the UK, Europe, the US and other parts of the world for over forty years.

 •  Biosolids contain a range of plant-available and soil-extractable nutrients useful in agriculture.

 •  The use of biosolids improves soil structure, drainage and available water capacity. Relevant research references are included in the briefing pack.

 •  Application of biosolids to agricultural land is safe and sustainable and recognised as the Best Practical Environmental Option in most circumstances by the European Commission and UK Government.

 •  Biosolids are the most researched and well regulated of organic materials applied to land. Biosolids form less than 5% of organic materials used for this purpose with animal manures and sludge from industrial sources comprising over 95%.

 •  Recycling of biosolids to agriculture is subject to a strict European and UK regulatory framework.

 •  The Water Industry’s investment in sludge and wastewater treatment has continued to increase with a resultant improvement in the quality of treated wastewater and biosolids produced.

Download biosolids briefing pack here

Ends

More information

Steve Ntifo, Science and Environment Adviser
020 7344 1822 or

Barrie Clarke, Director of Communication
020 7344 1804 (out of hours pager 07623 960573)